India's Russia Oil Imports May Hit Record High Amid Red Sea Disruptions

India's crude oil imports from Russia may reach an all-time high of 3 million barrels per day, according to Kpler analysis. This increase is due to potential disruptions in Red Sea supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and other routes.

Russian crude has become India's strongest supply hedge, with imports already reaching around 2.6 million barrels per day in July. This accounts for roughly 55% of total crude imports. If the security situation worsens and Red Sea shipments are disrupted, Indian refiners will likely replace those volumes with Russian crude.

Sumit Ritolia, Lead analyst, Modelling and Refining at Kpler, said, 'Russian crude remains India's most effective supply hedge, and imports could potentially increase to around or even above 3.0 million barrels per day, provided market conditions remain favourable and Russia has sufficient export availability.'

India's reliance on Russian crude is exceptionally strong, with Saudi Arabia being a key supplier but averaging only about 400,000 barrels per day in recent months.